Around Town ~ Hopkins County Stew Festival

 

For 57 years, the Hopkins County Stew Festival has been cooking up stew, and this year they're leaning into the 250th Celebration with Red, White and Stew. While there are a few versions of how the festival gained popularity, one storyline is that it was a celebration of the fall harvest and a way for the community to gather together, a tradition that has evolved over the years into a cooking competition for local businesses, families, and individuals alike to try their hand at chicken or beef stew. Another storyline is that, with the community being rural and home to a multitude of schools, the schools ended their year with a stew celebration, cooking for all the students and their families in a big cast iron pot. A mix of vegetables and meat were tossed together to be enjoyed by all the students and families.

In 1969, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce officially began sponsoring the stew and created the contest, one that has evolved over the years to become the "World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest." While no official recipe for the stew is shared, a selected meat, beef or chicken, along with at least the following vegetables: potatoes, onion, corn, and tomatoes, sits at the heart of the stew. Season how you like and serve it up to the public. Judging is based on taste, color, and smell. The winners are selected, and bragging rights abound for at least a whole year, before winners must be chosen again.

This year's Stew Festival will be held on Saturday, October 24. Tickets are $8 a person, all you can eat. Children under 12 are free thanks to generous sponsor Signature Solar. But wait, the fun starts Friday night with music, food, and, you guessed it, another contest. An appetizer contest and Dutch oven cook-off let cooks test their skills the night before the stew contest. This year the Chamber hopes to have a fireworks show in honor of the 250th anniversary of the country. Red, White and Stew is going to be hot! Don't miss your chance to eat and discover the best stew in the state of Texas.

If the Stew Festival wasn't enough of a draw on its own, the Fall Festival happens the very same weekend. There's so much to see and do that visitors will have their pick of activities, food, and more, including an art show, a hay bale contest, and even a separate Corvette show on the Square. Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County will be hopping with fun and food all weekend long. It's best to book a two-day stay to come and explore it all.

And this year, we're excited to join in the fun ourselves. The Oaks Bed and Breakfast will be cooking stew for the first time ever. Stop by our pot, say hello, and grab a bowl before we run out.

Let the contest begin and the eating commence. Guests won't go hungry this weekend with so many food-related events to attend. The adventure starts here, and you won't want to miss out.

October Happenings

 

    October kicks fall into full gear here in Sulphur Springs.  There are so many great activities for the whole family to participate in that you won't want to miss out.  When you book your stay at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, we can  help point you in the right direction for all the fun. 

       The fun starts with the Cattleman's Ribeye Round up on the Square, and the Dutch Oven Cookoff at Heritage Park.  These two food centric events are sure to please your entire appetite.  Tickets are required for the Ribeye Round up but anyone can attend the Dutch Over cook off.  

    Friday night at Main Street Theatre Enola Gay and Leah Conner take the stage for an evening of conversation.  Sit down and take a step back in history and explore the future just a little with these two amazing Hopkins County residents.

    The following weekend is Main Street Uncorked on the Square, in Sulphur Springs.  Winery's, vendors and musician's come from all over the state of Texas to participate in this event.  Buy your tickets now for a great time and wonderful wine.  

    Join the Texoma Gospel Music Association at the Roc for some gospel music of Friday and Saturday, October 7-8.  Over 40 musicians will be in town to praise and worship with visitors from all over.  The entrance is free so stop by and listen for a few minutes or stay for a couple of hours.  

    After you have had your fill of wine and Gospel music head on over the Civic Center for the Annual St. James Church Auction.  An $8 ticket gets you in the door and dinner, then explore all the amazing items up for auction that you won't want to leave behind.  They have a live and silent auction, to bid from.  This is a great event, supporting one of the local churches in the Sulphur Springs community.

    Jump on over to Backstory Brewery for a family fun event and OU Texas watch party.  Fun and games for the whole family.  NorthEast Texas Gellyball will be out there along with vendors and other food options.  Join the fun October 8th from 11-8.

    Join the Community Players at Main Street Theatre starting on Friday, October 14-23 for their presentation of The Last 5 Years.  Be sure to check out their website for show times and tickets.

    Fall Festival fun kicks off on Saturday, October 15 with the traditional Fall Festival Parade, hosted by Chads Media.  You can participate in more ways than one.  Join the parade fun with your own, fall float, or grab a side of the sidewalk with friends and family to enjoy the march through town.  The parade starts at 10 a. m. at Buford Park and finishes up at Brookshires.

    The annual Help-A-Child Benefit is happening this year on Saturday, October 15 at the Civic Center.  This great event raises funds for children throughout our county.  With a cook off, cattle show, auction and so much more, you know you are bound to have a great time. 

    As you drive around town, be sure to look for your favorite hay bale construction.  Many businesses around town have decorated hay bales in celebration of our communities continuing tradition of work in agriculture.  The creativity and design of these structures is pretty amazing to see.  Be sure to tell us which one is your favorite.

    This years 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew is set to heat up and be dished out on Saturday, October 22 at Buford Park in Sulphur Springs.  You do not want to miss this amazing event.  There will be a vendor fair close to the stew sites and one at the local high school.  Along with an art show and contests for people of all ages and categories to enter.  Be sure to order your tickets ahead of time, so you don't miss out on this great opportunity to enjoy one of Hopkins Counties best events.

    For the first time The Black Oak is hosting an adult only Halloween Party. The Monster Bash is going to be a great time, with cocktails and food from Fulgham's food truck.  Come let loose, in costume for a great date night out, with your significate other or a group of friends.  

    Just a little North of Sulphur Springs, is Cooper Lake State park.  They have a whole host of activities to do in the fall for everyone in your house.  Be sure to check out their next event and plan to make a day of it at this great resource for family fun.  We are looking forward to seeing you this October season at The Oaks.